Best Retinol Serums, Moisturizers And Face Masks of 2025

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Transition seasons are upon us, and that means it’s not just your clothes, shoes and home decor that are changing. All seasons are not created equal when it comes to your skincare regimen. As one with combination skin, I skew towards oily in the summer and dry patches in the winter, with that pesky T-zone rapidly fluctuating depending on the weather. Add in low humidity once the heat is turned on, and I’ll have skin ripe for cracking, redness and itching.

For those with aging skin, dark spots and fine lines, fall is the perfect time to take stock of your skincare products and strategize your next steps. I’ve been a big fan of vitamin C this summer after some in-depth research and product testing, and I’ve noticed a brightening effect and my skin elasticity has improved. Now we’re on to the next phase of product testing, and so, we’re turning our attention to retinol.

What Is Retinol And How Does It Work?

Retinol and retinoids, a form of vitamin A, are often used as an ingredient in skincare products like creams, serums, lotions and moisturizers. In your daily nutrition, vitamin A is important for vision, immune system support, growth and development, and helps critical organs work properly.

Topical forms of retinol are designed to increase skin cell production, unclog pores, exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol also claims to boost collagen and improve skin elasticity, help prevent breakouts, and minimize the appearance of dark spots and sun damage.

Key difference in types:

• Retinol: A chemical derivative of vitamin A, retinol is less potent but more easily accessible, especially in skincare products, without requiring a prescription.
• Retinaldehyde: Also a vitamin A derivative, it's more potent than retinol and typically considered the faster-acting retinoid. It can cause dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
• Retin-A (Tretinoin): Most potent and classified as a pharmaceutical so you’ll need a prescription. These may be used for severe acne, anti-aging, pigmentation or other severe skin conditions.

To sum it up, retinol and retinoids accelerate cell turnover and build up the top layers of your skin, increasing the production of collagen and blocking inflammatory responses that can produce pimples and acne, according to one source.

Pros And Cons When Using Retinol

As with any skincare product, there can be some downsides to using retinol so it’s important to determine your skin sensitivity and type before using.

Pros:

• Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin texture and smoothness
• Unclogs pores and reduces blackheads
• Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Stimulates collagen production
• Helps with acne prevention

Cons:

Note that some side effects are estimated to last up to three to four weeks.

• Initial irritation, redness and peeling
• Increases sensitivity to UV/sunlight
• May worsen skin temporarily before improvement (known as retinol purging)
• Requires gradual introduction to routine
• Can interact poorly with certain other actives in skincare products
• Not ideal for those with eczema, severe rosacea or sensitive skin

Other concerns

1. It is not recommended to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Research suggests that using it during pregnancy or nursing could potentially lead to birth defects.
2. Due to increased chances of light sensitivity that some may experience when using a retinol, it’s also critical you use a good sunscreen and moisturizer.
3. Other rare side effects can include eczema flare-ups, skin discoloration, acne breakouts and swelling or stinging.

Retinol Concentration And Other Ingredients

Before you select a new retinol product, consider your skin type since those with dry skin may require additional hydrating ingredients versus those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Next, you’ll want to review your skin sensitivity levels. If you’re more likely to react to new products, we suggest you err on the side of caution and select a lower concentration level to start.

And finally, we highly recommend reviewing the ingredients in your skincare products to ensure there are no conflicting ingredients that could cause skin irritation.

Skin types

Your skin type will determine how you use retinol, if at all:

• Dry skin: Start with lower concentrations (between 0.25% to 0.5%), and use rich moisturizers. Avoid harsh exfoliation products and chemical peels.
• Oily skin: Generally tolerates retinol well and should be able to use higher concentrations since retinols tend to have a drying effect.
• Combination skin: Spot treat different areas as needed, especially if prone to dry patches of skin.
• Acne-prone skin: Considered an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin, helps prevent and treat breakouts and has a drying effect.
• Sensitive skin: Requires lowest formulations and “low and slow” introduction. Combine with gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid AHA and BHA active ingredients and wear sunscreen daily.
• Normal skin: Most flexible with product selection and usage frequency.

Concentration levels

The most common concentration levels for retinol products are 0.25%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 1%. Weaker concentration levels are ideal for those with skin sensitivities or those new to retinol products, however, you may miss out on some of the benefits as well.

Ingredient Combinations

There are certain hydration ingredients that can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine, but there are also conflicting ingredients that could cause some major skin sensitivities if you’re not careful.

Beneficial ingredient combinations used with retinol:

• Hyaluronic acid: Provides hydration, acts as a moisturizer and improves skin elasticity.
• Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B, it’s commonly used in moisturizers and serums to treat acne, dark spots, signs of aging and inflammation. It’s designed to lock in moisture, reduce irritation and redness, and target fine lines and pigmentation.
• Ceramides: Strengthens skin barrier and helps skin retain moisture.
• Peptides: Peptides support collagen production to help repair cell damage. Collagen is critical to support skin elasticity, preventing signs of aging and promoting skin smoothness.
• Squalane: Squalane targets skin softening, lightweight moisturizing, calms redness and provides environmental protection for the skin skin barrier.

Avoid these ingredient combinations with retinol:

• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Includes glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid that act as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells. Using these ingredients together will cause excessive dryness and irritation, and can weaken the skin’s protective barrier.
• Salicylic acid: Also known as a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA, salicylic acid is used to dissolve oil and help reduce acne-related skin inflammation.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant in skincare used for brightening, anti-aging and environmental protection. According to one study, vitamin C was best for fine lines, skin tone and texture, while retinol is most ideal for correcting skin pigmentation. If you want to use both products, vitamin C should be used in the morning, and retinol at night.
• Benzoyl peroxide: Commonly included in acne-fighting skincare, benzoyl peroxide is a deep cleaning ingredient but it can deactivate retinol and cause irritations when used together. When used in a skincare routine, it can be used in the morning when retinol is applied at night or on alternating days.

Best Seasons To Use Retinol And Other Application Tips

Fall and winter are the best seasons for retinol use thanks to reduced sun exposure and lower UV intensity. The key is to maintain consistent sunscreen use, and to use moisturizers for skin soothing and skin barrier protection.

Application:

1. Nighttime is traditionally suggested for retinol usage. You do not need to use retinol every night - those with skin sensitivities should begin use once every four nights and gradually lower the time between applications.
2. Clean skin with gentle cleanser and pat dry. Do not scrub or over-exfoliate skin when using retinol.
3. Apply retinol in a thin layer, using a pea-sized amount. If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider applying a thin layer of facial moisturizer, then the retinol layer.
4. Finish with a facial moisturizer.

Best Retinol Serums, Moisturizers And Face Masks Of 2025

In order to select the roundup of best retinol options, we considered a variety of factors including hand-tested results, price point, concentration levels, skin type, ingredient combinations, star rating and customer reviews.

1. Best Retinol Moisturizer: Olay 24 Max Retinol Face Moisturizer
2. Best Retinol For Acne: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
3. Best Retinol With Peptides: First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides
4. Best Retinal For Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
5. Best High Concentration Retinal Serum: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum
6. Best Retinal Face Mask: Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Pore & Elasticity Mask

1. Best Retinol Moisturizer: Olay 24 Max Retinol Face Moisturizer

Price: $34.94 at Amazon; $39.99 at Ulta; $34.94 at Walmart

Type: Retinol, Retinyl Propionate | Concentration: Not stated (Under 0.3%) | Other Ingredients: Niacinamide, Peptides, Glycerin

Features:

• Targets wrinkles, skin tone and fine lines
• No fragrance, parabens, synthetic dyes and phthalates according to the company
• Other ingredients, including niacinamide and peptides, for added hydration and anti-acne protection

What to know:

• Concentration level not clearly stated but notes its within the EU retinol limit (under 0.3%)
• Some irritating and comedogenic ingredients (Incidecoder)
• Some reviewers noted itching reactions

“Another tried and true Olay product” says one happy customer as we researched the Olay 24 Max Retinol Face Moisturizer. Beginning back in 1952, Olay has been a skincare staple thanks to its deeply moisturizing creams. If you’re looking for a product to pull double duty of both a retinol and moisturizer, we suggest taking a look at this product.

With 4.6-stars and over 10,000 company ratings, the Olay 24 Max Retinol Face Moisturizer is ideal for those with sensitive skin thanks to its hydration and skin-soothing ingredients, fragrance-free design and more moderate concentration levels. One important thing to note is that the concentration level isn’t explicitly stated, though assumed to be under 0.3%.

Many reviewers appreciated its texture, moisturizing effect and noted improved skin texture and appearance. “Best cream on the market for such a little price,” said one reviewer. Another said, “It makes your skin feel amazing when you put it on,” while others complimented it as a great nighttime moisturizer. Multiple reviewers noted they saw no major drying or irritation.

The most frequent complaints were that it felt greasy and left a residue behind, and some felt there was no major difference after use. Others with dry skin experienced poor reactions.

2. Best Retinol For Acne: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Price: $14.94, was $21.99 at Amazon; $18.68 at Walmart; $18.69 at Target

Type: Retinol | Concentration: Not stated (Under 0.3%) | Other Ingredients: Niacinamide, Ceramides, Licorice Root Extract

Features:

• Designed to brighten and calm skin, reduce pores, reduce post-acne marks and smooth skin tone
• No fragrance or parabens, according to the company
• Ceramides to help prevent moisture loss and support skin health
• Recommended skin types: Combination, acne-prone, oily, sensitive, dry and mature

What to know:

• Concentration level not clearly stated by company, assumed to fall under 0.3%
• Some irritating ingredients (Incidecoder)

CeraVe has become practically synonymous with the brand recommended for those with sensitive skin. Since retinol can be a struggle for those with reactive skin types, this CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum might be just what you need if you’re looking for clearer skin. With 4.6-stars and over 53,000 company ratings on Amazon, this is one of the top picks for those with acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and is ideal for those looking to even out skin tone.

Fragrance and paraben-free, this retinol serum is designed to be non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) with additional ingredients for hydration to help maintain and strengthen your skin barrier. According to Incidecoder, however, it does include alcohol and perfuming ingredients that can be skin irritants. Unfortunately the company does not specify the retinol concentration levels, so we’re assuming a 0.3% concentration or lower. This serum has a lightweight gel texture and smooth application.

One helpful reviewer raved, “This product works! It goes on so silky smooth and feels so lovely on your face. It is cool, smooth and moisturizing.” They went on to say, “In about 10 days you will notice that your skin begins to exfoliate. It may seem strange because you will see that your face may seem dry, but it is really the beginning of the process to get rid of the old skin, and reveal the soft skin beneath.”

Another called it “perfect for sensitive skin,” mentioning it was “a game changer” product that helped with skin texture and minimized pores. They used it in combination with a CeraVe moisturizer to help control skin dryness.

This reviewer with acne mentioned they suffered from hormonal acne in T-zone areas, and used it to help with their skin issues. They had a purge period (approximately six weeks), but toughed it out and now, “If you can handle acne issues getting worse before they get better and you stick with it, you won't be sorry. My skin looks better than it has since before puberty, and I'm almost 42.”

Common complaints included skin irritation and allergic reactions, and a few reviewers mentioned no visible improvements after usage.

3. Best Retinol With Peptides: First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides

Price: $48 at First Aid Beautyand Ulta

Type: Retinol, Retinyl Propionate | Concentration: 0.3% | Other Ingredients: Peptides, Glycerin

• Designed to improve fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture
• Free of allergens, silicone, soy, nano, and parthenolide according to the company
• Alcohol, fragrance and essential oil free (Incidecoder)
• Recommended skin types: Dry, normal, combination and oily skin

What to know:

• Some reviewers felt like the formula changed and it may cause skin irritation

If you’re looking for a hydrating, beginner-friendly retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles, we suggest taking a look at the First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum. Many reviewers with sensitive skin mentioned it was a fairly gentle retinol without causing major dryness or irritation, especially when used in combination with a good moisturizer.

Our testing: One of my colleagues introduced me to this product after her own testing. “I highly recommend First Aid Beauty’s 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides. As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I struggle to find skincare products that won’t cause irritation, but this one completely changed the game. After using it twice a week for six months, my skin looked smoother and felt more hydrated. It absorbed quickly, never caused dryness or redness, and left my skin feeling soft and refreshed.”

She went on to mention that what she appreciated most was that it was allergen-free, vegan and packed with peptides. Her final recommendation: “If you’ve been hesitant to try retinol, this gentle (yet powerful) formula is the perfect place to start. I can’t recommend it enough!”

One reviewer on Ulta called it a “great starter retinol” for its gentle and non-irritating formula. Another said, “I've been looking for a retinol serum that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and finally found it!”

As for complaints, similarly with other products on this list, some felt they had extreme negative skin and allergic reactions, or little to no change in their skin after use.

4. Best Retinal For Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum

Price: $65 at Amazon and Medik8

Type: Retinaldehyde | Concentration: 0.01% to 0.10% (0.03% option) | Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Squalane

Features:

• Designed to firm skin, and improve fine lines and wrinkles
• Medik8 offers a variety of concentration levels depending on skin sensitivity and experience in using retinol (from 0.01% to 0.10% concentrations of retinaldehyde)
• Alcohol free, a lot of “superstar” and “goodie” rated ingredients including antioxidants and moisturizers (Incidecoder)
• Recommended skin types: Dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Those with sensitive skin should use the lowest levels.

What to know:

• Considered a beginner-to-medium strength retinoid
• This product had mixed reviews of effectiveness and value
• Retinaldehyde is a more potent form of retinol

In case you missed our explainer above or need a refresher, retinaldehyde is a more potent form of retinol in skincare with more immediate benefits (and side effects). That’s why you may notice the concentration levels are a little lower than the other retinol products on this list. Other hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane, make this a skin glowing option that could help reduce skin dryness side effects.

The Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serums are one of the more popular options on the market, especially with their concentration variety that can scale the more experienced you are with using it. We selected the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum for those who may be relatively new to retinoids but don’t have sensitive skin. It’s highly recommended you phase it in gradually, using it no more than twice a week at the beginning if you haven’t been a frequent retinol user in the past.

One reviewer noted that “consistency and time are key”, noting that within eight weeks their skin elasticity and firmness had greatly improved. Another person with rosacea tried the lowest concentration level and said, “No issues at all with this one, and it helped even out my skin a little bit. It was very subtle but that is to be expected with a percentage this low.”

One more happy reviewer said, “Soft on my skin and moisturizes just the right amount without irritation. These things are not cheap but this one is the best bang for the buck. I have far less wrinkles around my cheeks.”

As for complaints, it was largely around the smell, the price point and the effectiveness was in question. Others complained that the pump applicator is cheap and broke down after only a few uses.

5. Best High Concentration Retinal Serum: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum

Price: $31.99 at Amazon (0.1% option); $28.99 at Target and Ulta (0.05% option) ; $29 at SokoGlam (0.05% option)

Type: Retinaldehyde | Concentration: 0.05% to 0.15% options | Other Ingredients: Vitamin E, Glycerin

Features:

• Designed to brighten and smooth skin, improve uneven skin tone and reduce fine lines
• Naturium offers three concentration levels depending on skin sensitivity and experience in using retinol (from 0.05% to 0.15% concentrations of retinaldehyde)
• Fragrance and essential oil free (Incidecoder)
• Paraben, gluten and cruelty-free according to the company
• Recommended skin types: Dry, normal and combination

What to know:

• Retinaldehyde is a more potent form of retinol
• Those with sensitive skin should use lowest concentration levels

Naturium made our list of vitamin C serums, so it should be no surprise to see their retinoid product also topping the charts. This Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum is ideal for those who may have moved past the beginner stages and are looking for a retinol that offers more powerful concentration levels. As with any retinol, be sure to apply patch tests before use and build up to three times per week.

• Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum (0.05%) - most mild option for those with little retinol experience or potentially sensitive skin
• Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum (0.10%) - medium to higher level concentration best for those looking for more noticeable results and do not have sensitive or excessively dry skin.
• Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum (0.15%) - most potent formula best for experienced retinol users

Most reviewers find this best for smoothing skin texture, reducing fine lines and its moisturizing properties. “A must-have in your skincare routine,” said one reviewer who calls themselves a "connoisseur of retinoids."

A reviewer on target.com said, “I am 50 years old. I've been using this for a year now. I only use it twice a week and I've seen pretty dramatic results. I've decided to bump it up to three times a week. I love the lightweight texture and, despite having very sensitive skin, I've had no issues with this product. Can't say enough good things about this.”

Another reviewer said it will “most definitely…help diminish wrinkles and even faded dark spots” though mentioned it can make their skin dry, so it should be used in combination with a night cream.

Similar complaints include skin irritation, drying and break outs, while others noted received broken containers. Two reviewers mentioned it may stain pillowcases due to the orange cast of the cream.

6. Best Retinal Face Mask: Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Pore & Elasticity Mask

Price: $5 at SokoGlam.com; $25 at Amazon (5 sheets)

Type: Retinal | Concentration: Not stated | Other Ingredients: Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide

Features:

• Designed to tighten skin and reduce pore size
• Collagen and retinal combination in hydrogel face mask
• To use: Cleanse skin and use toner, then position top and bottom mask. Leave on for 30 minutes until the mask becomes transparent. Remove and pat the remaining essence into the skin.
• Recommended skin types: Combination, dry, normal and sensitive

What to know:

• Does contain fragrance which can be a skin irritant (Incidecoder)
• Does not state exact retinal concentration level

If you’re not a fan of serums and moisturizers, maybe a quick 30 minute face mask is more your speed? You may have seen hydrogel face masks surge in popularity (especially with K-beauty brands), and this combination collagen and retinal face mask could be a gentler form of retinal for those looking for more hydration than exfoliation.

The main ingredients are largely targeted to moisturizing, skin hydration and plumping. Averaging $5 per sheet (or you can get a pack of five on Amazon), it’s not the cheapest face mask I’ve ever used, but the ingredients make it a stand out option if you suffer from dry, sensitive and combination skin.

One reviewer on sokoglam.com called it “the best sheet mask” that they ever tried, going on to call it “beautifully hydrating.” Another said, “This mask is fantastic and a great way to pamper your skin! My skin was left feeling and looking amazing after using this sheet mask, and it felt great on my skin while using. The benefits were plain to see, especially the next morning.”

Another reviewer on Amazon said, “I'm super super picky on what I put on my face. I have acne scars and [it’s] prone to redness. I used it at night before bed [and the] next morning you can definitely tell the difference. Way less redness and [it] even calmed down some acne that was coming out. My face gets pretty oily but the product didn't leave any oily residue, [and] you do get a nice glow.”

For complaints, some said the mask didn’t fit well, and another had an allergic reaction. Others said they didn’t see any noticeable results.

How We Made Our Decision

Firsthand testing

When possible, we always aim to add in products that have been thoroughly tested by colleagues at weather.com. In this article, we included a retinol pick from First Aid Beauty by a tester who has sensitive skin and felt this product left her skin smoother, brighter and healthier.

Functionality

When pulling together our best-selling list of retinol serums, moisturizers and face masks, we measured it by a few different criteria, including: skin texture improvements, brightening, wrinkle reduction, hydration and fewest reports of skin irritation. While not all products are created equal (and there are no popular skincare products on the market with zero skin reactions), we’re looking for the highest number of reviewers that note the product works for a variety of skin types.

Ingredient list

We made sure to include three varieties of retinol in this roundup, as well as other premium hydration ingredients designed to combat dryness that retinol may naturally cause during use.

These ingredients include:

• Retinol, retinal and retinaldehyde
• Vitamin E
• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide
• Collagen
• Glycerin

Concentration levels

Choosing the right concentration level when using a retinol is critical depending on your skin type and sensitivity. When the concentration is too high, you risk skin irritation, breakouts and allergic reactions. If concentration levels are too low, you may not see the results you are expecting. In our list, we included concentration levels starting at 0.3% for retinol and 0.01% for retinaldehyde. Those that are expert retinol users may choose to have higher concentration levels at 0.1% for retinol, and 0.15% for retinaldehyde.

Price point

Luxury costs in this economy? The average retinol product falls between $25-40, with the Medik8 brand coming in a bit higher at $65+. We aim to ensure there are price-friendly options in all of our roundups and ideal product picks for every budget.

Reviews

When not testing ourselves, we defer to the reviewers who use the product and provide helpful, comprehensive feedback. If a product has few or poor reviews, we make sure to include the complaints, and if the negative feedback outweighs the intended use, we will not include it in our list.

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.